By Archford Mabuka (Opinion)
ZIMBABWEAN EXPORTERS have received a significant boost following China’s implementation of a comprehensive zero-tariff treatment arrangement and the launch of the upgraded Green Channel 2.0, creating unprecedented opportunities for agricultural, horticultural and value-added products to enter one of the world’s largest consumer markets.
Effective from May 2026, China granted Zimbabwe and selected African countries comprehensive zero-tariff access under a Pre-Early Harvest arrangement.
The facility covers more than 3,800 tariff lines, providing duty-free access for a wide range of products including agricultural commodities, processed foods, horticultural products, textiles, leather goods, industrial inputs and selected manufactured products.
The development comes at a time when China has emerged as one of Zimbabwe’s most dynamic export destinations.
The growth in exports over the past five years demonstrates both the strength of demand in the Chinese market and the potential for further expansion under the new arrangement.
Zimbabwe’s exports to China increased more than five-fold from approximately US$256 million in 2021 to US$1,36 billion in 2025, highlighting the deepening trade relationship between the two countries.
This remarkable growth reflects China’s increasing appetite for Zimbabwean products and underscores the strategic importance of the market for the country’s export diversification agenda.
Much of this growth has been driven by tobacco and tobacco-related products, which remain Zimbabwe’s largest export category to China.
Exports of tobacco products grew from US$255,8 million in 2021 to a peak of US$628 million in 2024, before recording US$562 million in 2025.
The strong performance of the sector demonstrates the value of longstanding trade ties while also presenting opportunities for greater value addition and processing.
At the same time, Zimbabwe’s export basket to China has become increasingly diversified.
Exports of salt, sulphur, stone, lime and cement products grew significantly from negligible levels in 2021 to approximately US$384 million in 2025, making the category one of Zimbabwe’s leading export earners in the Chinese market.
Importantly, newer export categories are beginning to emerge.
Edible fruits and nuts, copper products, leather, cosmetics and other processed products have started gaining a foothold in the market, signalling opportunities for broader export diversification.
These developments align well with Zimbabwe’s industrialisation agenda, which seeks to move beyond raw commodity exports towards greater value addition and beneficiation.
Complementing the zero-tariff initiative is China’s newly upgraded Green Channel 2.0, a dedicated facilitation mechanism designed to accelerate market access for African agricultural and food products.
The enhanced framework introduces faster approval procedures, streamlined assessments, expanded use of remote inspections, and more flexible enterprise registration arrangements.
These measures are expected to significantly reduce the time and administrative requirements associated with gaining access to the Chinese market.
Importantly, Green Channel 2.0 serves as a complementary measure to China’s broader zero-tariff policy covering 53 African countries, ensuring that improved tariff preferences are matched by easier and faster market entry procedures for qualifying products.
For Zimbabwean exporters, Green Channel 2.0 presents fresh opportunities for a wider range of agricultural and horticultural products to enter China more efficiently.
Of particular significance is the new provision allowing Zimbabwean dried chillies to be exported directly to China without requiring a separate bilateral protocol, opening immediate opportunities for producers, aggregators and exporters in this growing sector.
While tobacco, minerals and industrial raw materials currently dominate Zimbabwe’s exports to China, the combination of zero tariffs and Green Channel 2.0 creates a timely opportunity to expand into higher-value agricultural and processed products.
Products with strong export potential include blueberries, avocados, macadamia nuts, citrus fruits, tea and coffee, essential oils, natural health products, leather goods, processed foods and manufactured products.
The new arrangements provide Zimbabwean businesses with a valuable platform to increase value addition, beneficiation and industrial production while accessing a market of more than 1.4 billion consumers.
For small and medium-sized enterprises, particularly those involved in agro-processing, horticulture, natural products, packaging and light manufacturing, the developments present an opportunity to expand beyond traditional regional markets and establish a presence in Asia’s largest consumer market.
Although the opportunities are substantial, exporters must ensure they meet the necessary requirements to benefit from the new arrangements.
Products must comply with applicable Rules of Origin requirements to qualify for zero-tariff treatment and will require a valid Certificate of Origin issued by the designated authority.
Exporters should also ensure compliance with China’s sanitary and phytosanitary requirements, product registration procedures, quality standards and traceability systems.
The current arrangement will remain in place for two years while Zimbabwe and China work towards negotiating a broader bilateral agreement under the Zimbabwe – China Economic Partnership for Shared Development.
This provides a strategic window for Zimbabwean businesses to strengthen their market presence, build relationships with Chinese buyers and position themselves for long-term growth.
